1. Products
  2.   Project Management
  3.   Java
  4.   MPXJ
 
  

Free Java API to Generate & Manipulate Project MPP/MPX Files

Open Source Java Library that enables Software Developers to Read and Write Project Data in Various File formats, Read Project Plans, Perform Data Analysis and Generate Reports inside Java Apps.

What is MPXJ Library?

In the fast-paced field of project management, managing project data effectively is key to achieving success. A valuable tool making waves in this area is the MPXJ library. Created by Jon Iles, MPXJ is a Java library available for free that allows you to work with project data in different file formats. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the MPXJ library, uncovering its functions and how it can improve your project management tasks. It is a great tool that helps you work with Microsoft Project Exchange files in Java. It lets you handle project data in different formats like MPP, MPX, and XML, which is super handy for managing various projects. The library simplifies managing intricate project details and tasks, making your job easier. Plus, it’s built to work on any platform, so you can smoothly add it to your Java projects without any hassle.

A great thing about the MPXJ library is how it can handle various project file types. Whether you’re dealing with Microsoft Project files or using XML formats, MPXJ makes it easy to bring in and send out project data. With a wide range of tools, developers can work with project data in many ways. They can pull out, change, and study project details through code, giving them the power to automate tasks and make project management smoother. One tool that really shines is MPXJ. It’s dependable and adaptable, providing various functions for managing, creating, and handling project information. MPXJ is great because it works well across different platforms and supports a wide range of file formats. This means that developers can use it to create effective and personalized project management tools.

Previous Next

Getting Started with MPXJ

First of all, you need to have the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your system. Referencing MPXJ in your Maven-based Java project is even simpler. All you need is to add the following dependency in your pom.xml and let your IDE fetch and reference the MPXJ Jar files.

MPXJ Maven Dependency



<dependencies>
<dependency>
<groupId>net.sf.mpxj</groupId>
<artifactId>mpxj</artifactId>
<version>10.11.0</version>
</dependency>
</dependencies>

You can download the directly from GitHub page

Reading & Writing Project Data via Java API

The open source MPXJ library allows users to effortlessly read and write project data from different file formats such as MPP (Microsoft Project), MPX, and XML. The library has included support for multiple project file formats. Whether you're working with Microsoft Project files or using XML-based formats, MPXJ allows for smooth import and export of project data. Here's an example of how you can read a Microsoft Project file (.mpp) and extract task information.

How to Read a Microsoft Project File (.MPP) & Extract Task Information via Java API?

import net.sf.mpxj.ProjectFile;
import net.sf.mpxj.reader.ProjectReader;
import net.sf.mpxj.reader.UniversalProjectReader;

public class ReadMPPExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            ProjectReader reader = new UniversalProjectReader();
            ProjectFile project = reader.read("sample.mpp");
            
            System.out.println("Project Name: " + project.getProjectProperties().getName());
            System.out.println("Tasks:");
            project.getTasks().forEach(task -> {
                System.out.println("ID: " + task.getID() + ", Name: " + task.getName());
            });
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Data Analysis and Reporting

MPXJ enables users to perform data analysis and generate reports based on project information. It can be utilized to automate the generation of project reports by extracting relevant data from project files. This can save time and ensure accuracy in reporting processes. Developers can leverage the library to build custom project management tools that align with the unique needs of their organizations. This flexibility allows for the creation of tailored solutions that enhance overall project efficiency. Here's an example demonstrating how to calculate the total duration of tasks in a project.

How to Calculate the Total Duration of Tasks in a Project via Java API?

import net.sf.mpxj.ProjectFile;
import net.sf.mpxj.Task;

public class DataAnalysisExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            ProjectFile project = new ProjectFile("sample.mpp");
            int totalDuration = 0;
            
            for (Task task : project.getTasks()) {
                totalDuration += task.getDuration();
            }
            
            System.out.println("Total duration of tasks: " + totalDuration + " days");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Simplified Data Manipulation

With MPXJ library, working with project data becomes a breeze. Whether its extracting task information, updating resource allocations, or generating reports, MPXJ offers a comprehensive set of APIs to perform a myriad of operations, empowering developers to automate and streamline project management tasks efficiently. Here's an example demonstrating how to create a new task and add it to a project.

How to Create a New Task and Add It to a Project via Java API?

import net.sf.mpxj.ProjectFile;
import net.sf.mpxj.Task;

public class ManipulateProjectExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            ProjectFile project = new ProjectFile();
            Task task = project.addTask();
            task.setName("New Task");
            task.setDuration(5); // duration in days
            
            System.out.println("New task added to the project.");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}